The Little Black Dress (Love in Las Vegas)

She ignores the other reason I’m averse to looking for love, though it hangs thick in the air around us. My eyes flick up to the Pollock, and a breath shudders through Mom’s slightly parted lips.

She and Dad had an amazing love story that ended in the worst heartbreak imaginable. The thought of sharing a heart with someone like that, then losing them scares the shit out of me. I’d rather spend my life alone than risk that kind of pain.

“I don’t regret a second I spent with your father,” she says, reading my thoughts. “Yes, losing him was awful, but the years we had together were blessed beyond measure. I want you to have that, too.”

I bite the inside of my cheek, holding back a scathing retort about her second marriage. No way would I hurt her like that. But deep down inside, I fear ending up in a marriage like that almost as much as I fear truly falling in love and having it ripped from my fingers.

She’s waiting for me to respond, and I frantically search for something to say that will appease her. I love my mother, and I want to make her happy, but I just don’t think this family she’s imagining for me will ever become a reality.

My phone rings in my pocket, and I send up a silent thanks that I forgot to turn it off when I got here. Excusing myself, I walk into the foyer to pretend to take the call. When I see Scotty’s name on the screen, I answer it, knowing he wouldn’t be calling if it wasn’t important. He knows where I am.

“Scotty. What’s up?” I say.

“Hey, boss. I’m sorry to bother you, but I need to tell you I found my replacement. She filled out the new hire paperwork yesterday, and she’s able to start immediately.”

“She?”

“Don’t worry,” he says quickly. “I interviewed enough applicants to know most of them wanted the job to get close to you. But this one is perfect. She has a stellar resume and a good head on her shoulders. I like her, so I know you will, too.”

“Okay. I trust you. Set up a meeting for this afternoon.”

“Will do. What time do you plan to come in today?”

“I’ll be there in an hour or so.”

“Sounds good, boss. See you then.”

I end the call and stare at the blank screen of my phone for a few beats. I’m a little leery at the prospect of hiring a female assistant. I’d been burned before, going through several assistants with underlying agendas before lucking out with Scotty.

But I meant what I said. I do trust him. His judgment has always been remarkable. If he thinks this woman is a good fit, then she will be.

Shit. I didn’t get her name.

I briefly consider calling him back, but decide against it. I’m sure he’ll bring me up to speed when I get to the office.

For now, I just want to go finish having lunch with my mother, and hopefully not get grilled about settling down and having babies again. And after, I’ll go meet my newest employee.

Whoever she is.